One of the most popular beauty trends among women is eyelash extensions. However, doctors warn fans of eyelash extensions to make sure that they clean the beauty products carefully before using them because eyelash lice are on the rise.
Lice infestation
Demodex are tiny organisms, better known as head lice, that can survive on eye hair follicles as well as on the scalp. Optometrists are reporting an increase in cases that involves them and encouraging those who use eyelash extensions to clean them properly to stave off the vermin's rising ranks, as well as general discomfort.
Dr. Sairah Malik tells ABS 13 News in San Francisco, generally, the idea when you have eyelash extensions is that people are afraid to touch them or wash them because they are afraid the eyelash will fall out. An increase in bacteria and symptoms ranges from itchiness, redness, and inflammation and it can result from improper or infrequent cleaning of eyelash extensions. Just like head lice, eyelash lice are contagious.
Dr. Malik added that cleaning your eyelids is critical. Tea tree oil is an effective antibacterial. She said that experts recommend tea tree base cleanser or any cleanser that has a diluted form of tea tree, and it is a good idea to use on a daily basis.
There are three types of extensions for your eyelashes: silk, synthetic and mink. They are usually applied in a salon-type setting by a technician using special, semi-permanent glue and tweezers. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the lashes typically last for about three to four weeks, but Malik says taking a periodic break from extensions, and not overusing them, is important for ideal eyelid health.
Why lice grow on eyelashes
Eyelash lice, medically known as phthiriasis palpebrarum, are a relatively rare occurrence. One would think that lice in your eyelashes would be lice that move from your head, but according to a 2009 study, lice living in your eyelashes are commonly pubic lice, often having gotten there through hand contact from genital area to the eye. They cling to the skin of your eyelid, at the root of the eyelash.
The first symptom of eyelash lice that you will notice is itching. The itching is intense at the root of the eyelashes. Usually, the itching becomes severe during the night when the lice are more active. The other symptoms include tearing, tickling feeling, eye redness, eyelash may feel thick and they stick together, and you will see brown or black spots at the base of the eyelashes.
According to a 2015 case study, someone with eyelash lice was treated successfully with the three-day procedure: petroleum jelly was applied thickly to the lid, at least two times a day, two hours after the petroleum jelly was applied, 1% permethrin shampoo was applied to the eyelid and about 10 minutes after the shampoo was applied, the eyelid was washed thoroughly.
Before you follow any of the suggested treatments, it is best to ask your doctor for advice. Commercial chemicals and shampoos can cause irritation or damage to the eye if not properly administered. Your doctor can write a prescription of an ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment if they feel that this three-day procedure is best for you.
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